San Antonio Spurs superstar forward Tim Duncan became the team’s all-time leading scorer this past Friday night in a victory over the Utah Jazz, finishing the night with 20,797 points. He surpassed legendary center David Robinson by seven and accomplished this awesome feat in the simplest of ways – a couple of freebies.
In other words, quintessential Tim Duncan.
I will admit that I did not truly appreciate Duncan’s game over the years until recently despite watching him play and acknowledging his greatness. Yes, I was always aware of his ability to influence a game’s outcome equally at both ends of the floor, especially on defense. Duncan has been excellent for years defensively in areas big men are often liabilities – he stalls the pick-and-roll, generates tremendous help-defense, and holds his position with discipline as well as any big man ever. Offensively the guy is a rock, executing half-hooks with precision, that effortless bank shot from the elbow, and a plethora of back-to-the-basket spin-moves that we simply don’t see in this era’s perimeter-driven NBA.
He is also magnificent at the little things – setting tremendous screens on the low block, boxing out his man even if he has no chance at the board, the outlet pass leading to transition buckets - that separate an all-time great from simply a perennial All-Star.
Oh, and he’s a two-time NBA MVP, four-time NBA Champion, and three-time NBA Finals MVP. The list of accolades is awfully long - as of last night he’s currently 25th all-time in rebounds, 31st in points, and 11th in blocked-shots in NBA history (not including the ABA).
He’s also a tremendous person and humble star in a league full of ego-driven individuals who, you know, like to announce decisions via television special and just want to “chill”. Stop talking, will you Chris Bosh? Geesh.
While his averages are down this season from his career norms (13.7 points, 9.6 reb, 2.0 blk) Duncan is still extremely effective and I have a hard time believing the Spurs will not be contenders come playoff time as long as Duncan and company remain healthy.
In appreciation of Tim Duncan’s achievement and to fully illustrate how awesome this guy really is I have selected ten video clips from YouTube of memorable Duncan moments for you to watch and enjoy. Simply click where it says “HERE” to view each respective clip.
(NOTE: These clips are not complete games - they contain Tim Duncan-related highlights only)
1. A clip with highlights of Duncan during his days at Wake Forest. Check it out HERE.
2. June 25, 1997 – The San Antonio Spurs select Tim Duncan #1 overall in the 1997 NBA Draft. Check it out HERE.
3. October 31, 1997 - Tim Duncan’s first basket as an NBA pro. Check it out HERE. He would post fifteen points, ten boards, and two blocks in the Spurs’ win over the Nuggets.
4. June 25, 1999 – In game five of the 1999 NBA Finals versus the New York Knicks Duncan posts 31 points and nine rebounds as the Spurs win their first NBA Championship. Check it out HERE.
5. June 15, 2003 – Duncan records 21 points, 20 rebounds, ten assists, and eight blocks as the Spurs close-out the Nets in game six of the 2003 NBA Finals. Check it out HERE.
6. May 13, 2004 – The Lakers ultimately won this Western Conference game five contest on Fisher’s miracle shot but as you’ll see from watching the first part of this clip Duncan’s fadeaway from near the three-point line over a lunging Shaq was a sight to behold. Check it out HERE.
7. May 18, 2007 – The Spurs knock out the Suns in game six of the 2007 Western Conference semi-finals behind 24 points, 13 rebounds, and nine blocks from Duncan. Check it out HERE.
8. April 19, 2008 – Duncan nails a game-tying three with just three seconds remaining to send game one of their first-round clash with the Suns to double-overtime. Check it out HERE.
9. A nine-part interview between legendary Celtics’ center Bill Russell and Tim Duncan in 2009. This is a long piece but worth it if you have the time. Check it out HERE.
10. November 19, 2010 – Tim Duncan becomes the Spurs’ all-time leading scorer in win vs. Jazz. Check out game highlights HERE.
There you have it. While not the flashiest of players to ever grace the court Duncan has proven his worth among the greats of the game – after watching these clips I know you’ll agree.
Thanks for being awesome, Mr. Duncan. Congrats on the scoring record – you deserve it.
**UPDATE: **Click HERE to visit Tim Duncan’s Official Website where you can learn anything and everything about Mr. Duncan, including his charitable foundation. I just found this so I thought I’d pass it along.